Executive Director's Column |
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Reva Wywadis
Executive Director
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Hello, friends!
It’s back to school time! Families are focusing on everything their kids need for a successful school year ahead, and for many families, that includes making arrangements for child care before and after school. Things have been busy as the staff work diligently to help families locate the care they need in a time when the supply of care options simply is not meeting the demand in many communities. We continue to share the message that this is a great time to launch a child care business and that we have financial and consultation support available to help people get started.
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Our 2022 fall fundraiser, "Fall in Love with your Home," a tour of homes will be here before you know it. Thiessen Design + Construction is hosting a tour of four incredible homes in southwest Topeka that have undergone significant renovations and updates that people will not want to miss, with proceeds benefitting Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas! In addition, a special VIP event will be held on Thursday, October 6th, with patrons and sponsors given the opportunity to tour a special "bonus home" between 4-6 pm before the VIP party. This home will not be part of the public tour, so we hope you will consider being a patron this year!
All proceeds from tours, sponsorships, and advertising support the agency's mission of supporting the healthy development of young children by improving access to high-quality child care options and educational resources for families and early childhood professionals. Tickets will be available on our website beginning August 15th. We expect VIP tickets will sell out, so mark your calendar and plan to join us for a memorable weekend supporting children and families!
Follow us on social media to get instant updates on what's going on! If you are interested in sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please email info@east.ks.chilfcareaware.org for more information.
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Program Highlights & Happenings |
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We are excited to bring back the Capital City Learn & Share for our child care providers. This year Anne Meeker Watson is the guest speaker. Anne is a Key Note Speaker, Author, Singer-Songwriter, Music Therapy Consultant, and Early Interventionist and is the SING.PLAY.LOVE.® program founder. Through her writing, product development, and workshops, she shares information about the benefits of music and play for supporting early learning and kindergarten readiness and gives easy and practical strategies for embedding both into the daily lives of young children. Her program is being used all over the country and across the globe, most recently making its debut in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The Capital City Learn & Share is an opportunity for providers in our region to gather in person and gain credit hours needed for licensing. In the morning, providers will learn how to include fun motor activities into daily routines with music and play. During the afternoon hours, providers will dive into a challenging topic of challenging behaviors while guiding all children toward positive self-esteem and school success.
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What Our Mission Looks Like in Action |
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During a time when child care demand exceeds the available supply in so many communities, families are desperate to locate child care that meets their needs. Infant care and care during hours beyond the typical 8-5 workday are challenging to find. And finding an enrollment slot is just part of the child care challenge. Quality and affordability also come into play as families search for child care. In addition to using the child care referral assistance offered through Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas, families are also tapping into social networks as a way to locate child care.
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We always benefit from volunteers! Current volunteer opportunities include:
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Fall Tours Helping hands for the VIP Party and at each home during the tours are in need. Contract Cora Spencer (corna23@gmail.com or our office at 785-357-5171) for information.
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Blanket making. Our Successful Connections program delivers small fleece cuddle blankets to new moms in Shawnee County. No sewing is required. Contact Earlina (earlina@east.ks.childcareaware.org or 785-440-4520) for information.
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Liz Steffen, President
Cherie Sage, President-Elect
Jamie Stafford, Secretary
Dawn Bicknell-Reiser, Treasurer
Erin Lewis, Treasurer-Elect
Jane Tilghman, Immediate Past President
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Lucinda Anstaett
Amy Bauer
Deb Crowl
Catherine Deters
Donna Doel
Matthew Godinez
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Paige Jones
Andrea Luke
Lindsey Munson
Catherine Shafer
Kelly Trussell
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Reva Wywadis, Executive Director;
Diana Ingram-Cantrell, Accountant;
Julie Scott, Marketing & Communications
Coordinator;
Holly Wehner, Data Specialist;
Earlina Faurot, Administrative Assistant
Nancy Rohr, Family Services Manager;
Lori Boos (Team Leader), Jasmin Cortes, Michelle Sawtelle, Resource Specialists;
Marie Treichel, Renee Wohletz,
Provider Services Managers;
Breanna Gellings, Grants Navigator;
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Grace Cott, Audrey Danielson,
Susan Drewelow, Michelle Gilbert,
Debbie Hildebrandt, Talia Juiliano, Early Care & Education Specialists;
Deb Danielson, Tia Wright, Child Care Health Consultants;
Jane Redger (Team Leader), Jennie Heim, Ashley Buss, Successful Connections Parent Resource Specialists;
Stephanie Prue, Library Resource Specialist
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ERC Resource & Referral, Inc., d/b/a Child Care Aware® of Eastern Kansas supports the healthy development of young children by improving access to high-quality child care options and educational resources for families and early childhood professionals.
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